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Former foster kid, now Miami Dolphin honored as ‘community hero’ by Eckerd Connects

June 10, 2019 | Fort Pierce, FL

Fort. Pierce, FL— Eckerd Connects’ Project Bridge honored Albert Wilson– Miami Dolphin wide receiver and former foster child—as a community hero at an annual awards banquet. The 4th Annual Community Hero event included dinner, entertainment, and an awards ceremony and was held on Friday, June 7 from 6pm-9pm at the Fort Pierce River Walk.

Project Bridge—a program offering transitional services to boys and girls reintegrating to their home communities following time with juvenile justice involvement—is excited to honor Wilson, as his personal story is one of dedication and resilience. The athlete recently launched a scholarship program through his self-named foundation for children who spent two years in foster care without aging out.

“I have the chance, even the obligation, to show kids that where you come from doesn’t have to determine where you end up.,” Wilson says. “But I know how much just a little bit of help can turn someone’s life around.”

The wide receiver attended high school locally and is an alum of Georgia State University.

“Albert has been seen working tirelessly through the Albert Wilson foundation to bring much needed funds, opportunities and a sense of well-being back to his community,” says Claudia Laos, Director of Project Bridge South. “Albert’s connection to his hometown of Fort Pierce has provided opportunities this past year for our youth to attend their first NFL game; participate football camps; attend the Miami Dolphins training camp; and receive free holiday meals.”

This is the fourth year Eckerd Connects’ Project Bridge has hosted the event. Those in attendance celebrated those in the community who have given their time, talents, and resources to invest in the area’s most vulnerable groups.

Through an innovative collaboration of organizations, Project Bridge provides educational, mentoring, vocational and transportation services to help young people achieve stable and successful lives and avoid re-entry into the criminal justice system.